Calling mamas who work 4 days a week!

[RooTwo]

I've accepted a new job which will be 4 days a week - am currently working 3, which is lovely, really, but my new job is a great opportunity and it wasn't possible to do 3. So basically I am feeling v tentative about having to do 4 days and whether that will feel very different, and impact on us all ... I have two DCs aged 4 and 5, the older of whom is at school, and the younger at home with me when not at nursery. So I still have one precious day with DS, but I feel as if I am losing so much with that extra day of work ... Worried I have made wrong decision and that I will regret it! Reassurance or thoughts anyone? I do have v good childcare in place - a nanny who picks them up after school, and DH has fairly flexible work so can come home early sometimes (as I might be able to as well, I hope, at some point) so I know sensibly that it should be fine, but I still feel worried! Who works 4 days and finds it works just fine and that they don't feel too angsty and awful about not seeing children so much?

No advice I'm afraid but in the same boat- just accepted a 4 day a week job, and although it is from home it feels like a big jump from 3 . Will be interested to see what replies you get- I feel the same way as you actually, but deep down I also know it will be fine. I keep telling myself that everything is a phase, nothing is permanent, and if I want to cut my hours in the future I may be able to if I prove myself in the job. I think once you have your feet under the table in the new job and are up and running and enjoying it you and the family will adapt.

I'm going back to work in Jan and will only do 4 days a week (I was working full-time before). I couldn't do less than 4 days and my current job is quite good, they are family friendly and quite flexible, so I accepted that. I'm still very anxious about it, DS will be 11 months. We found a good (I think) CM and I'm settling him with her at the moment, which is heartbreaking, but I hope it will all be fine. I'll be watching this thread with interest.

I went back three days for a 18 months, but then went up to four for a number of reasons - more flexibility and choice of projects at work, more money, and ideally getting pregnant and getting more maternity pay. Also ds was loving nursery and going through some annoying 2yo stages not to mention potty training, so I was quite happy for them to have him a bit more.

I did find it a bit restrictive only getting the one day off in the week, but tried to get home a bit early one day a week, and also MrNC picks him up at least one day, which meant I could work late and thus flex other days a bit. I had the chance to work from home 1-2 days a week but rarely did as I prefer the office (and nursery is next to the station).

I get the impression it's a lot easier to negotiate flexibility and reduced hours once you're already in a job.

It worked well for me for the first few months but then ds went up to Preschool at nursery which he finds very tiring despite loving it, so wants to sleep loads on his days off, and I got pregnant and also exhausted (which does mean I'm happy to sleep with ds on days off...). But on the whole I just felt lucky that we could have a mummy and ds day in the middle of the week.

I do Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm. Was full time before I went on ML and went back when DD was 1. It's fine for me but only because of the extra time in the morning and the leaving early in the evening (If I had to do 9am to 5pm and the nursery drop offs I'd be a basketcase). No mad rushes at either end of the day because of traffic - nursery is 10 minutes from work. I still get 3 days solid with DD as I have a Monday off, and by Tuesday morning she's ready for nursery and I'm ready for work!

I originally wanted 3 days but in my management position I had to recognise that if I wanted to keep my current role (and salary) I had to tip the work/life balance in favour of work (for the moment at least). I am completely happy with DD's childcare (nursery 3 days/my parents 1 day) which has made the decision easier and I really enjoy my job. If I was putting DD in some horrid nursery and going to a job I hated I wouldn't do it.

It sounds like you've got all your bases covered - good childcare/interesting and rewarding job/supportive DH ergo it'll be fine

Great advice!
Also I would add that in a few months' time your youngest will be at school so you will be a whole day to yourself, which makes a huge difference in terms of catching up with jobs/getting back on track with things and generally just having a breather. Good luck!